An article on the iAVs USDA commercial trial conducted by Mora/Garrett

The PDF document titled Boone Mora Demo provides an overview of Boone Mora’s demonstration project in integrated aquaculture and vegetable production: https://garydonaldson.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Boone-Mora-Demo.pdf

Boone Mora successfully demonstrated the feasibility of raising fish and vegetables year-round in a single, integrated production facility. Over two years, he operated a quarter-acre greenhouse near Bath, North Carolina, showcasing how farm families could sustain themselves with such systems.

• Size: 100 x 100 feet
• Fish Tanks: Two 26,000-gallon V-bottom tanks lined with plastic
• Vegetable Beds: Sand beds adjacent to the fish tanks

• Male hybrid tilapia were stocked in the tanks due to their hardiness and fast growth.
• Water containing fish waste was pumped hourly during daylight from the tank bottoms to irrigate sand beds.
• Sand beds filtered the nutrient-rich water, which was inoculated with bacteria converting ammonia to nitrates usable by plants.
• Filtered water was recirculated back to the fish tanks via drainage lines.

The system enabled organic production of fish and vegetables, utilizing fish waste as fertilizer.

High-value crops included tomatoes, European cucumbers, and peppers. Experimental crops like okra, baby cucumbers, and passion fruit were also grown.

• Mora wholesaled fish and vegetables for approximately $1 per pound.
• The greenhouse setup cost around $40,000, with potential annual yields of 100,000 pounds of vegetables and 50,000 pounds of fish.
• Net income estimates ranged between $25,000 and $30,000 annually after expenses.

The concept was developed by Mark McMurtry at North Carolina State University, who determined optimal plant-to-fish ratios.

Mora advised starting with smaller greenhouses (e.g., 30 x 50 feet) to refine system operations before scaling up.

Over 1,500 people toured the demonstration greenhouse, inspiring new ventures. Mora planned to build another greenhouse for personal use after selling the original facility.

This document highlights the practical application and economic potential of integrated aquaculture systems for small-scale farmers.